Courts / Westmeath / Report

Senior garda denies taking "hostile approach" to "whistleblower"

Date
2019-12-02
Stage
Hearing Or Decision
Primary locality
Athlone
County
Westmeath

Summary

In a Disclosures Tribunal hearing, Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray denied taking a sceptical or hostile approach toward Garda Nicholas Keogh, who made a protected disclosure in 2014. The tribunal, chaired by Judge Sean Ryan, examined whether Keogh was targeted, harassed, undermined, or bullied after his disclosure on May 8 2014. Murray, who became superintendent at Athlone Garda Station in March 2015, claimed he had no prior knowledge of station problems and had never met Keogh before their first meeting on March 26 2015. He stated he had no opinion about Keogh and that he had not formed any view regarding Keogh's conduct. Murray explained that he had been aware of Keogh's alcohol problem and work‑related stress, but he said he had not judged Keogh's work or welfare. He also noted that he had introduced new procedures in the district and had referred Keogh to a chief medical officer and a welfare sergeant.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Senior garda denies taking "hostile approach" to "whistleblower". Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

Why: Chief Superintendent Patrick Murray became superintendent at Athlone Garda Station in March 2015 but said he did not know anything about any problems at the station because he had never worked there before and "knew nobody" at the station. CNI source report

Case subjects

Ms B

Defendant

Places mentioned

Secondary Mention
Garda Station
  • became superintendent at Athlone Garda Station
  • Athlone

Topics

Stage Hearing Or Decision

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

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